One has created cars that motorists across the world dream of
driving; the other has been a driving force behind Glasgow's
regeneration. Both were awarded honorary doctorates today at the
GSA Graduation Ceremony.
Ian Callum RDI is acknowledged as one of the world's foremost
automotive designers. A GSA graduate in Industrial Design (the
forerunner of the current Product Design Engineering course),
Callum began his design career with Ford before moving to TWR. Here
he revived Aston Martin's famous DB series, designing the DB7,
as well as creating the Vanquish, which was famously driven by
Pierce Brosnan in the Bond movie,Die Another Day. Callum moved
to Jaguar in 1999 where as Design Director he has brought
a dynamic and modern feel to the celebrated "big cats"
re-establishing Jaguar's sports saloon credentials with the XF, XK
the XJ. He has also been instrumental in creating the R-Coupe and
RD-6 concept cars, as well as Jaguar's latest creations, the C-X75
and the exciting all-new two-seater sports car, the Jaguar
F-TYPE.
A proud Scot, Dumfries-born Callum still retains strong links
with Scotland and with The Glasgow School of Art. In recognition of
his contribution to international design and his commitment to
championing design education he was awarded a DUniv, conferred by
the University of Glasgow.
"The annual honorary degrees recognise individuals who have made
an outstanding contribution to art, architecture and design," says
Professor Seona Reid, Director of The Glasgow School of Art. 'Ian
Callum is at the top of the game in automotive design and a great
champion of design education. As a graduate in industrial design,
the pre-curser of our current product design engineering course, he
is a great inspiration to our students."
Ian Callum says,"The years I spent at Glasgow School of Art were
amongst the happiest and possibly the most creative time I can
recall. I am deeply honoured to be receiving this award from
an Institution that means so much to me."
Over the last 30 years Glasgow has seen a remarkable reversal in
fortunes transforming from post-industrial wilderness into a
vibrant cultural and creative centre. One of the leading players in
this process is the recently retired Executive Director for
Development and Regeneration Services at Glasgow City Council,
Steve Inch, OBE. Steve Inch was responsible for a number of
the city's most important strategic economic development and
planning initiatives including the Glasgow City Plan, the Joint
Economic Strategy, Glasgow Tourism Action Plan, and the
Commonwealth Games Village Bid documents. He has also made a
vitally important contribution to the arts and creative industries
in the city both as a driving force behind the 1999 City of
Architecture and Design bid and as leader of more recent
initiatives such as Trongate 103. The Glasgow School of Art today
recognised his outstanding contribution to the regeneration of the
City and to the growth and development of the arts and creative
industries with a DUniv conferred by the University of Glasgow.
"Steve Inch has had a seminal influence not only on the
regeneration of Glasgow, but on the growth of the arts and creative
industries in the city",says Professor Reid. "The strength of
Glasgow's cultural infrastructure has been key to attracting and
retaining talent and Steve has be instrumental in creating the
environment in which innovation and creativity can flourish."
Steve Inch says,"Prior to retiring from Glasgow City Council I
worked with GSA on a great many projects and am therefore fully
aware of the role it has played in the ongoing regeneration of the
city. I feel deeply honoured that my contribution has been
recognised through the award of this Honorary Doctorate, and I look
forward to continuing to support GSA in the years to come."
Bailie Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Jobs and the Economy at
Glasgow City Council adds,"how fitting that Steve Inch has received
an Honorary Doctorate from Glasgow School of Art. During
almost three decades of service to the city council he played a
pivotal role in the regeneration of Glasgow. A large part of
this was achieved through the realisation of the value of Glasgow's
cultural sector to our economy. His work at board level in
organisations such as Glasgow Film Office and the Glasgow
International Jazz and Comedy Festivals provide a small
illustration of his dedication to improving our economic and
cultural life. It gives me great pleasure to see yet more
recognition, in addition to his OBE, for the sterling work that
Steve has done for this city."
For further information, images and interviews please
contact Lesley Booth:
M:0779 941 4474 E: press@gsa.ac.uk
